Drive for valves and the like



y 1943- H. E. HODGSON ETAL 2,324,211

DRIVES FOR VALVES AND THE LIKE Filed April 10, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet l July 13, 1943. H. E. HODGSON ET AL DRIVES FOR VALVES AND THE LIKE Filed April 10, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 y 13, 1943- H. E. H ODGSON ETAL. 2,324,211

July 4 H. E. HODGSON ETAL 2,324,211

DRIVES FOR VALVES AND THE LIKE Filed April 10, 1959 5 Sheets-$11691: 4

July 13, 19430 H. E. HODGSON ETAL DRIVES FOR VALVES AND THE LIKE Filed April 10, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented July 13, 1943 DRIVE FOR VALVES AND THE LIKE Howard E. Hodgson and Clarence W. Kuhn, Wauwatosa, and William C.

Wis.,

Stevens, Milwaukee,

assignors to Cutler-Hammer, Ina, Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Application April 10, 1939, Serial No. 267,142

Claims.

This invention relates to drives for valves and the like.

In practice valve drives preferably are of the unit type, and the present invention has among its objects to provide an improved drive of such unit type.

Another object is to provide a unit type drive for valves operable through the medium of a rotating nut coacting with an axially movable threaded stem, or a rotating threaded stem coacting with an axially movable nut, the drive having combined therewith in unit form yielding means to take the thrust of the rotating part whether it be the nut or the stem when it tends to move axially as the result of seating of the valve or as the result of contraction or expansion after seating of the valve.

Another object is to provide a unit type drive inclusive of such thrust taking means which will be applicable to valves varying in respect of the mounting thereon of its part to coact with said thrust taking means, such part optionally to be with or Without a non-rotatable sleeve for coordinating said part and said thrust taking means.

Another object is to provide such a unit so constructed as to render its parts readily accessible for inspection and for desirable adjustments, as for example adjustment of the pressure springs of the thrust taking means.

Another object is to provide such a unit type drive having associated therewith a limit switch operable by axial movement of the valve operating nut through the medium of the thrust taking means.

Another object is to provide a fully enclosed unit inclusive of the thrust taking means and the aforementioned limit switch, the unit casing being rigidly attachable to the valve casing and the parts of the unit being immovable except as movements thereof are required for performance of their respective functions.

Another object is to provide a drive with improved means affording drive optionally by power or manual force.

More specific objects in respect of the last mentioned improvement include provision of means minimizing danger of interference between the power and manual forces and provision of means minimizing risks from carelessness on the part of the attendant in shifting from power drive to manual drive or vice versa.

Numerous other more specific objects and objects not hereinbefore touched upon will appear from the following specification and from the embodiments of the invention herein disclosed.

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the invention which will now be described, it being understood that the embodiments illustrated are susceptible of modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a valve operating unit embodying the invention, a portion of the enclosing casing being broken away and shown in section;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the valve operating unit shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are sectional views taken on lines 3-3, 4-4 and 55, respectively, of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 6-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary sectional view on lines 'l-'l of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 8-3 of Fig. 3;

Figs. 9 and 10 are fragmentary sectional views on line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a. side elevational view of certain of the parts shown in Fig. 9 illustrating such parts in another position;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view on line [2-42 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 13 is a side view partly in section of a modified form of valve operating unit embodying the invention;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of the valve operating unit shown in Fig. 13, a portion of the enclosing casing being broken away and shown in section;

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of certain of the parts shown in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is an end elevational view of a limit switch shown in Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a side View partly in section of the switch illustrated in Fig. 16, and

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the circuit connections for the valve operating units shown in Figs. 1 and 13.

Referring to Fig. 1, the same illustrates a valve operating unit I embodying the invention, such unit being adapted for top mounting upon the yoke 2 of a valve having a non-rotatable stem 3 and an associated operating nut 4.

The top of yoke 2 is provided with a circular flange 5 concentric to the axis of stem 3, and nut 4 is rotatably supported by combined radial and thrust, bearings 6 and 1 within a sleeve 8 which is slidably mounted within an opening 9 in the upper end of said yoke. Bearing 6 is held between a shouldered portion on the lower end of nut 3 and an inwardly extending flange H on the lower end of sleeve 8, and bearing '7 is held between a shouldered portion on the upper end of said nut and a thrust collar l2 threaded into the opening in said sleeve. Nut 4 is thus held against axial movement with respect to sleeve 8. Upon rotation of nut 4 in valve opening direction sleeve 8 tends to move downwardly and the lower end of said sleeve is held in engagement with a shoulder i3 formed on yoke 2, while the upper end thereof is substantially flush or slightly above the upper surface of flange 5. During rotation of nut 4 in valve closing direction sleeve 8 tends to move upwardly with respect to yoke 2.

The valve yoke and nut construction shown and described is of a conventional form selected only for illustration and it is to be understood that the nut 4 need not be confined in the sleeve 8 by the collar 12 and that it is not essential to the present invention to provide a sleeve for the nut. In other words, the driving unit hereinafter set forth is without change applicable to various yoke and nut constructions and to a valve having the nut mounted in the yoke without use of a sleeve for the nut. In fact the nut need not be set into the yoke.

The valve operating unit I is provided with an enclosing casing i comprising a casting of rectangular form having a circular skirt 16 formed on the under side thereof which is counterbored as shown at I! to receive the flange 5 of yoke 2. As shown in Figs. 1 and 5 the lower end of skirt to is provided with eight equally spaced inwardly extending lugs it for engaging the upper face of flange 5 and easing i5 is secured to said flange by cap screws it which pass through openings in said flange into tapped openings in said lugs. The upper end of casing 55 is open and is provided with a removable cover 29, and as shown in Figs. 2 and 7 said casing is divided into upper and lower compartments 2| and 22 by a substantially horizontal wall 23. Also as shown in Figs. 2 and 7, wall 23 has a cylindrical projection 24 formed on the upper face thereof which is provided with a circular opening 25.

As shown in Fig. 2, the valve operating nut 4 is coupled to a worm gear 25 mounted within the opening 25 in projection 24. Worm gear 25 is provided with an upwardly extending tubular hub projection 2'! which is journaled within a bored opening in a flange projection 28 formed within the opening 25 in projection 24, and said worm gear is also provided with a downwardly extending tubular hub projection 29 which is journaled within a bearing plate 30 secured to the under side of wall 23 by cap screws 3!. Worm gear 26 is held between flange 28 and bearing plate 30 to prevent its axial movement, and said flange and plate are counterbored to receive oil seals 32 and 33 respectively which are associated with the end portions of hub projections 21 and 29. The lower end of hub projection 29 is connected to the valve operating nut by a tubular coupling member 35. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the lower end of hub projection 29 is provided with slots 36 for receiving a plurality of tongue projection 51 formed on the upper end of coupling member and the lower end of said coupling member is provided with slots 38 for receiving a plurality of tongue projections 39 formed on the upper end of nut d. Nut t is thus coupled to worm gear 25 to rotate therewith, and it should be noted that the tongue and slot connections between coupling member 35 and hub projection 29 permit upward axial movement of nut d out of the position shown in Fig. 1.

As shown in Fig. 3, worm gear 26 has a worm 50 associated therewith which is adapted to be driven through the medium of speed reducing spur gears 4i and 42 by a reversible motor M having a housing 53 which is secured to side wall 44 of casing I5 by screws 45. Worm gear 49 is formed upon a shaft 46 which is rotatably mounted within a horizontally arranged tubular projection 41, formed on wall 23 of easing i5. Shaft 36 is supported adjacent the left end of worm at by a combined radial and thrust bearing 48 which is held within a 'counterbore 23 in the left end of tubular projection 4'! by a thrust collar 50. Shaft 46 is also supported within tubular projection t? by a ball bearing 5! which is located adjacent the right end of worm 48 and the right end of said shaft is supported by a ball bearing 52 which is mounted within an opening in the face of housing 43 of motor M. Wall 44 of casing 15 is formed to provide a recess 53 for receiving the spur gears Q! and 42, and the former spur gear is fixed to shaft 45 while the latter is fixed to the shaft 54 of motor M. Shaft 86 extends through an oil seal 55 carried by thrust collar 56 and the left end thereof is supported within an opening in a lug 56 on a cover plate 51 which is secured to the wall 53 of casing !5 by screws 59.

As is apparent from the foregoing, nut 4 is adapted to be driven in opposite directions by motor M to effect opening and closure of the valve. During rotation of nut in valve closing direction it tends to move upwardly with respect to yoke 2 and the valve operating unit l is provided with a thrust responsive spring mechanism which normally restrains said nut but permits movement thereof when a predetermined thrust is applied to valve stem 3 upon seating of the valve. Said spring mechanism is mounted within the lower compartment 22 of easing I5 and as shown in Figs. 2 and '7 the same includes a plurality of vertically arranged helical springs 68 which are held under compression between a pair of horizontally arranged plates 6! and 62. Plate 6| is designed to abut the upper end of sleeve 8 or the nut if said sleeve is omitted and is provided with a center opening for receiving the coupling member 35.

As shown in Fig, 5, plate 61 has its periphery recessed to clear the lugs IS on the lower end of casing l5 and the springs 60 are arranged intermediate said lugs. Plate 62 is similar to plate BI and the upper surface thereof abuts a pair of adjusting screws 63-63 which pass through tapped openings in lugs 6464 formed on Wall 23 of casing i5. As is apparent, plate 62 is adjustable axially by the screws 63-83 to vary the degree of compression of springs 60, and it should be noted that the upper ends of said screws are accessible for adjustment upon removal of the cover 20. The plates BI and 62 are provided with openings for receiving three vertically arranged guide pins 65 and as shown in Fig. 5 said pins are arranged within the springs 60 fill 'and 60. The upper ends of said guide pins are provided with threaded portions which are secured within tapped openings in lugs fififormed on the under side of wall 23, as shown in Fig. 7. Also each of the guide pins 65 has a head 67 on the lower end thereof and the under face of plate 61 is recessed as shown at 68 in Fig. '7 to receive said heads. Plate 6| has washers 69 mounted upon the upper face thereof which engage within the lower ends of springs 60 to prevent displacement of the latter. The washers 69 associated with springs 6D, 60' and 60 are provided with center openings for receiving the guide pins 65, and as shown in Fig. 7 the washer 59 associated with spring Ell is provided with a center Opening It and is secured to plate 6| by screws 1! disposed on opposite sides of said opening. The washers 69 associated with springs 60 to 60*, inclusive,

are each secured to plate 6| by a single screw 72.

As is apparent, plate BI is movable upwardly upon the guide pins 65 against the action of springs 62 and as shown in Fig. '7 said guide pins have sleeves I3 associated therewith which are adapted to engage the lower ends of the lugs 56 on wall 23 to limit upward movement of said plate.

During closure of the valve, springs 66 act through the medium of plate 6! to normally hold the lower end of sleeve 8 in engagement with the shoulder I3 on yoke 2. stem 3 is subjected to a predetermined thrust upon seating of the valve the valve operating nut 4 and its associated sleeve are adapted to move upwardly out of normal position against the action of springs 60.

The above described thrust responsive mechanism has a limit switch associated therewith which acts as hereinafter set forth to stop operation of motor M in valve closing direction. As

shown in Fig. 4 limit switch I5 is carried by an insulating terminal board I6 which is mounted within the upper compartment 2I of casing I5. As shown in 6 switch I5 includes a movable insulating lever 1'! which is pivotally mounted upon a pin I8 carried by a bracket l9 fixed to the upper face of terminal board I6. Lever 'II carries a bridging contact 89 which cooperates with a pair of stationary contacts 8! mounted upon the upper face of terminal board I6, one of said stationary contacts being shown in Fig. 6. Lever I1 is biased to hold bridging contact 88 in engagement with its associated stationary contacts 8! by a helical spring 82 carried by a projection 83 on bracket I9. Projection 83 also carries a stop pin 84 for limiting opening movement of lever TI and its associated bridging contact as.

Switch I5 is operatively connected to plate 6| of the thrust responsive mechanism by a vertically arranged push rod 85 which extends through an opening in wall 23 and plate 52 and has a shouldered portion 86 on the lower end thereof which engages within the opening H3 in washer 69 The upper end of push rod 85 has a sleeve 81 fixed thereto and the upper end of said sleeve is guided within an opening in terminal board 76 and carries a plunger 83. Plunger 88 is slidable within an opening in the upper end of sleeve 81 and the lower end thereof is provided with an enlarged head 89 which is normally held in engagement with a shoulder on the upper end of said sleeve by a spring 90. Spring 90 is held under compression between the upper end of push rod and the head 89 on plunger 88 and the upper end of said plunger cooperates with a threaded stop 9|v which is adjustably mounted within a tapped opening in lever TI.

As hereinbefore stated, the springs 66 act through the medium of plate iii to normally hold the lower end of sleeve 8 in engagement with the shoulder [3 on yoke 2. With plate BI in normal position, stop 9! is adjusted to clear the upper end of plunger 88 and bridging contact 80 is thus normally held in engagement with its cooperating stationary contacts 8| under the action of spring 82. Upon initial upward movement of However, when valve vi sleeve 8 out of normal position stop 9 I is engaged by plunger 88 and bridging contact is moved out of engagement with its associated stationary contacts BI against the action of spring 82. Opening movement of bridging contact 80 is limited by engagement of lever 17 with the stop pin 84 and upon continued upward movement of plate 6| the plunger 88 is moved inwardly within sleeve 81 against the action of spring 90.

The aforedescribed valve operating mechanism is also provided with a position limit switch 95 which acts as hereinafter set forth to stop operation of motor M upon movement of the valve into open position. Said switch is mounted in the upper compartment 2| of casing I5 and is provided with an enclosing casing 98 which is secured to the upper side of wall 23 by screws 91. Switch 95 includes a pair of insulated stationary contacts 98 and 99 which are mounted upon the casing 96 and a cooperating movable bridging contact I 00 which is normally held in circuit closing position. As shown in Fig. 3, switch 95 is driven from shaft 4.6 through the medium of a worm IOI formed on said shaft and a cooperating worm gear I92, and upon movement of the valve into open position worm gear I62 acts through the medium of a suitable cam mechanism mounted within casing 96 to move bridging contact I90 into open position. The cam mechanism for eifecting operation of bridging contact I0!) is not illustrated since cam operated limit switches are well known in the art, and the present invention is not concerned therewith.

The worm shaft of the above described valve operating unithas amanualoperating mechanism associated therewith including a hand wheel I $4 which is normally disconnected from said shaft and is adapted to be automatically coupled thereto when rotated in either direction. As hereinafter set forth, the manual operating mechanism is provided with means for preventing coupling of hand wheel I84 to shaft A5 except upon substantial arrest of the latter, and also has control means associated therewith which insures against energization of the driving motor M of the valve unit during manual operation. Also as hereinafter set forth, the manual operating mechanism has a locking device associated therewith which acts to insure disconnection of hand wheel I 94 from the worm shaft 16 upon energization of motor M.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 9 the manua1 operating mechanism includes a spur gear drive comprising a driving gear Hi5 fixed to an operating shaft I95, a driven gear IB'I fixed to the worm shaft 46, and a pair of pinions I98 and H39 which mesh with the driving gear I and are arranged on opposite sides of the driven gear N21. The pinions H18 and IE9 are carried by a yoke III], and as hereinafter set forth said yoke is normally held in the position shown in Fig. 8 to prevent meshing of either of said pinions with driven gear I01.

More specifically, hand wheel Iii-i is fixed to the outer end of shaft H16, and said shaft is journaled within a bearing projection I I2 on cover plate 5'! and extends inwardly beyond said plate. Shaft N36 is held against axial movement within hearing projection Ill! and the inner end thereof is supported within an opening in a lug II3 (Fig. i) which is formed on one side of the cylindrical projection 24 in casing I5. Driving gear I 05 is fixed to a square section l I l on shaft I 36 and yoke H9 is rotatably mounted upon said shaft and is provided with spaced side arms I I5 and I I6 which are located on opposite sides of said gear. Yoke IIO has a connecting portion II1 on one end thereof which extends .between the side arms H5 and H6 and, the pinions I08 and I09 are associated with the opposite end of said yoke, the same being rotatablyrmounted upon pins I08 and I09 respectively held within openings in said arms.

As shown in Fig. 9, arm II6of yoke H is held in frictional engagement with driving gear I05 by a helical spring I I8 which is held under compression between said arm and a collar I I9 fixed to shaft I06. Yoke H0 is thus adapted to rotate with gear I05 and upon rotation of hand wheel I04 in the direction of arrow A, Fig. 8, pinion I06 is moved into mesh with gear I01 and upon continued rotation of said hand wheel in the direction of arrow A gear ,I05 slips with respect to yoke H0 and acts through the medium of said pinion to drive gear I01 and worm shaft 46 in a clockwise direction. Upon rotation of hand wheel I04 in the direction of arrow B, Fig. 8, pinion I09 is movedinto mesh with gear I01 and upon continued rotation of said hand wheel in the direc tion of arrow B gear I05 slips with respect to yoke H0 and acts through the medium of said pinion to drive gear I01 and worm shaft 46 in a counterclockwise direction.

Yoke IIO has a spring mechanism associated therewith for normally holding the same in the position shown in Fig. 8 to prevent meshing of either of the pinions I08 or I09 with the driven gear I01. Such mechanism comprises a pair of fingers I and I2I which extend outwardly from yoke H0 and are located on opposite sides of the connecting portion II1 of said yoke. The inner ends of fingers I20 and I2I are pivotally secured to yoke I I0 by pins I22 and the outer ends of said fingers are located on opposite sides of a pin I23 fixed to the cover plate 51. Fingers I20 and I2I are biased toward each other by a helical spring I24, and as is apparent said fingers cooperate with pin I23 and connecting portion I I1 on yoke I I0 to bias said yoke against movement in opposite directions out of the position shown in Fig. 8. Upon rotation of hand wheel I04 in either direction yoke I I0 is moved out of normal position by frictional engagement with gear I05 against the action of fingers I20 and I2I, and upon release of said hand wheel said fingers act to return 1 said yoke and the parts connected thereto to the normal position shown in Fig. 8 for disengagement of hand wheel I04 from worm shaft 46.

As hereinbefore stated, the manual operating mechanism is provided with means for preventing coupling of hand wheel I04 to the worm shaft 46 except upon substantial arrest of the latter. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, such means comprises an inner cone element I25 fixed to worm shaft 46, an outer cone element I26 slidably mounted upon said former cone element for movement into and out of locking engagement with yoke H0, and a plurality of balls I21 which are adapted to act by centrifugal force to move said outer cone element into locking engagement with said yoke against the action of a helical spring I28. Inner cone element I25 is held against axial movement between gear I01 and lug 56 on cover 51 and the left end thereof is provided with a flange projection I29 having a cone surface which is radially recessed as shown in Fig. 10 to receive the balls I21. The outer cone element I26 is provided with a cup-shaped portion I3I which surrounds the flange projection I29 on the inner cone element I26 and has 'a cone surface I32 on the inwithin an opening in cover 51.

terior thereof corresponding to the cone surface on said inner cone element. Outer cone element I20 is also provided with a sleeve projection I33 which is bored to receive a collar I3 4 fixed to the right end of cone element I26. Spring I28 is located within the sleeve projection I33 and is held under compression between collar I34 and a shoulder formed on the inner surface of said cone projection. As shown in Fig. 8, the side arm II5 of yoke I I0 is provided with a substantially semicircular recess I36 which is arranged midway be? tween the pinions I03 and I09 and is adapted to receive the sleeve projection I33 on outer cone element I26.

As shown in Fig. 9, outer cone element I26 is normally held out of engagement with side arm II5 of yoke H0 under the action of spring I28. However, when worm shaft 46 is driven by motor M the balls I21 are moved outwardly by centrifugal force from the position shown in Fig. 9 into the position shown in Fig. 10. Upon outward movement of the balls I21 into the'position shown in Fig. 10 the same engage cone surface I32 on outer cone element I26 to move said element from the position shown in Fig. 9 into the position shown in Fig. 10. Sleeve projection I33 is then projected into the recess I36 in arm H5 and yoke H0 is thus locked against movement out of the position shown in Fig. 8 to prevent coupling of the hand wheel I04 to worm shaft 46. The outer cone element I26 remains in looking position until worm shaft 46 is brought substantially to rest, whereupon said cone element is returned to the normal position shown in Fig. 9 by spring I28. Upon return of outer cone element I26 to normal position yoke I I0 is released to permit coupling of hand wheel I04 to worm shaft 46.

Yoke IIil also has a locking mechanism I33 associated therewith which normally locks said yoke in the position shown in Fig. 8 to prevent coupling of hand wheel I04 to worm shaft 46. Such locking mechanism comprises a lever I39 fixed to a shaft I40 which is rotatably mounted The outer end of shaft I40 has a manual operating lever I4I fixed thereto which is movable between stop projections I42 and I43 on cover 51. Lever I39 and its associated operating lever I4I are normally held in the position shown in Fig. 8 by a spring I44 having one end connected to said lever and its opposite end connected to pin I23. Lever I39 has a pin I45 fixed thereto which cooperates with a pair of stop projections I46I46 on arm II5 of yoke IIO. Pin I45 and lugs MIG-I46 are shown in dotted lines in Fig. 8 and as shown in this figure said pin is normally located between said lugs to lock yoke H0 in the position shown in Fig. 8 to thereby prevent coupling of hand wheel I04 to Worm shaft 46. However, upon movement of operating lever I4I into engagement with stop projection I43 (Fig. 8) pin I45 is moved out of engagement with lugs I46I46 and. yoke H0 is then released to permit coupling of hand wheel I04 to worm shaft 46.

Locking mechanism I38 has an electromagnetically controlled latch device associated therewith for holding the same in released position. As shown in Fig. 9 said device comprises a magnet winding I48 mounted upon the inner face of cover 51 and an associated armature I49 having a latch member I53 fixed thereto. Armature I49 and latch member I50 are pivotally mounted upon a pin I5I carried by a post I52 fixed to'the inner face of cover 51, and said armature is biased by a spring I53 to yieldingly hold said latch member in engagement with lever I39. Lever I39 is provided with a shoulder I54 and upon movement of said lever into released position said shoulder is engaged by the free end of latch member I50, as shown in Fig. 11, to hold the locking mechanism I36 in released position. As hereinafter set forth, winding I48 is connected in the energizing circuit of motor M and upon energization of said motor, armature I 49 is attracted by said winding to move latch member I50 out of engagement with shoulder I54. The locking mechanism I38 is thus automatically released to maintain yoke I III in the position shown in Fig. 8 upon energization of motor M.

A switch I55, shown in Fig. 12, is associated with the above described manual operating mechanism and as hereinafter set forth said switch acts to prevent energization of motor M upon coupling of hand wheel I 04 to worm shaft 46. Switch I55 is mounted in the upper compartment 2I of casing I (Fig. 4) and as shown in Fig. 12 said switch comprises an insulating base I56 having a movable insulating contact lever I51 mounted upon the under side thereof. Contact lever I5! is pivoted intermediate its ends upon a pin I58 carried by a bracket I59 fixed to the under side of base I56, and one end of said contact lever has a pair of bridging contacts I60 mounted thereon which are shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 12 each of the bridging contacts I60 cooperates with a pair of stationary contacts I6! mounted upon the under side of base I56 and contact lever I5! is biased to hold said bridging contacts in engagement with their associated stationary contacts by a spring I62. Contact lever I51 has an operating arm I63 fixed thereto which extends downwardly and cooperates with a pin I64 fixed to yoke I I0. Said operating arm is provided with a notch I65 and upon positioning of yoke H0 in the normal position shown in Fig. 8 pin I 64 is located within said notch and the bridging contacts I60 are held in engagement with their associated stationary contacts by spring I62, as shown in Fig. 12. However, upon movement of yoke IIO in either direction out of normal position for coupling of hand wheel I04 to Worm shaft 46, pin I54 moves out of engagement with the recess I65 and arm I63 is moved into the dotted line position shown in Fig. 12 to provide for disengagement of bridging contacts I60 with their associated stationary contacts I6I.

The function and operation of the aforedescribed valve operating mechanism and also the circuit connections therefor will now be more fully set forth in connection with Fig. 18 which schematically illustrates the aforedescribed valve operating unit and the electric control means therefor. Motor M may be of any desired type, the motor shown being of a 3 phase alternating current type to be supplied with current from a circuit indicated by lines L L L The power connections for motor M are controlled by a pair of 3 pole electromagnetically operated reversing switches C and O, the former switch being provided with a set of normally open auxiliary contacts 0 and the latter with a set of normally open auxiliary-contacts 0 The control means for the reversing switches C and 0 includes a pair of normally open start push buttons I66 and I67, and a normally closed stop push button I68.

It is assumed that reversing switch C provides for operation of motor M in a direction to close the valve, and that reversing switch 0 provides for operation of said motor in a direction to open the valve. The position limit switch 95 of the valve operating unit is connected in the energizing circuit of reversing switch 0 and the thrust responsive limit switch I5 of said unit is con nected in the energizing circuit of reversing switch C. The energizing circuits of switches C and O are also controlled by the switch 555 which is associated with the manual operating mechanism of the unit and the magnet winding MS associated with said mechanism is permanently connected between two of the terminals of the motor M.

Assuming that the valve is in open position and that it is desired to close the same, push button I 66 is depressed to effect closure of reversing switch C for operation of motor M in valve closing direction. Upon depression ofpush button I65 the operating winding of reversing switch C is connected across a supply circuit indicated by lines L L through the medium of stop push button I68, the thrust responsive switch l5 and the switch I55 associated with the manual operating mechanism. Upon release of push button I66 reversing switch C is maintained energized through the medium of its auxiliary contacts 0 As hereinbefore set forth, during closure of the valve, springs 60 act through the medium of plate iii to normally hold the lower end of sleeve 8 in engagement with shoulder E3 on valve yoke 2. However, when valve stem 3 is subjected to a predetermined thrust upon seating of the valve, the valve operating nut and its associated sleeve 8 are moved upwardly out of normal position against the action of springs 66 to effect opening of the thrust responsive switch l5. Upon opening of switch reversing switch C is deenergized to stop operation of motor M in valve closing direction.

Push button I6! is depressed to effect closure of reversing switch 0 for operation of motor M in valve opening direction. Upon closure of push button IS? the operating winding of reversing switch 0 is connected across lines L L through the medium of stop push button I58, the position limit switch and the switch I55 associated with the manual operating mechanism. Upon release of push button I67 reversing switch 0 is maintained energized through the medium of its auxiliary contacts 0 The position limit switch 95 is set to open upon opening of the valve to a predetermined degree and said limit switch in opening deenergizes reversing switch 0 to stop operation of motor M in valve opening direction. Opening of stop push button I58 interrupts the energizing circuit of both of the reversing switches O and C, and it is thus apparent that the same provides for stopping of motor M at any point during valve opening or valve closing operations.

As hereinbefore set forth, hand wheel $54 is normally disconnected from worm shaft 46 and is adapted to be automatically coupled thereto when rotated in either direction, but only upon substantial arrest of said worm shaft and release of an associated locking mechanism I38 by a manual operating lever i ii. Immediately upon coupling of hand wheel I04 to worm shaft it the contacts of switch I55 are opened to prevent establishment of the energizing circuits for reversing switches O and C. Upon disconnection of hand Wheel I04 from worm shaft 46 switch I55 is reclosed as hereinbefore set forth to permit motor operation of the valve. As hereinbefore set forth, the locking mechanism I38 has an operating winding I03 associated therewith for maintaining the same in released position, and as shown in Fig. 18 said operating winding is connected across two terminals of motor M whereby the same is energized immediately upon establishment of power connections for said motor.

Yoke H is capable of limited movement in opposite directions with respect to sleeve projection I33 on cone element I25 when the latter is in looking position, such movement being sufficient to effect opening of switch I55, but insufficient to effect meshing of pinions I08 or I09 with gear I05. Switch I55 is thus operable by hand wheel I04 for efiecting stopping of motor M at any point during valve opening or valve closing operation. However, if desired the diameter of sleeve projection I33 on cone element I25 may be increased to prevent movement of yoke H0 out of normal position when said cone element is in locking position. Switch I55 is thus rendered ineifective to stop motor operation of the unit since the same can only be opened by'handwheel I04 when worm shaft 46 is substantially at rest. If desired the magnet I43 and latch I50 associated with locking mechanism I33 may be omitted. Said locking mechanism is then manually held in released position to permit movement of yoke IIO out of the normal position shown in Fig. 8 and upon coupling of hand wheel led to worm shaft 48 one of the stop projections M6 on said yoke is located in the path of pin M to maintain said locking mechanism in released position pending return of said yoke to normal position. The yoke I I0 returns to normal position under the force of spring I2 3 when the hand wheel is released and the locking mechanism then resets.

As is apparent, the aforedescribed valve unit is adapted for top mounting upon the'yoke of a conventional valve without requiring any substantial modification of the valve structure. Also the various parts of the unit are arranged to provide a compact structure which is removable as a unit without removal of the nut from the valve stem. It should be noted that upon removal of the cover 20 the various limit switches areaccessible for adjustment or inspection, and also the adjusting screws 53 are accessible for adjustment of the thrust responsive mechanism for variation of the seating pressure applied to the valve. The above described unit is also advantageous in that the various parts of the manual operating mechanism are carried by the removable cover 51.

Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, the same illustrate a modification of the aforedescribed valve operating unit which is adapted for use in oil cracking installations. In such installations it is desirable to associate with the valve operating unit an auxiliary valve for admitting steam under pressure into the bonnet of the main valve upon closure of the latter to thereby prevent leakage of high temperature gas into the main valve bonnet. For this purpose the valve operating unit is provided with an auxiliary valve I10 which is mounted upon a projection H! on one side of the enclosing casing I5. Said valve is of a conventional type having a reciprocable operating stem I12 which is provided with spring biasing means for moving the same upwardly into valve closing position.

The operating mechanism for auxiliary valve I10 includes a rotatable operating shaft I13 which is connected to the stem I12 'of said valve through the medium of a pair of levers I14 and I15.- Lever I14 is fixed to shaft I13 and extends downwardly therefrom, and lever I15 is rotatably mounted upon said shaft and is pivotally connected to the valve operating stem I12. Lever I15 is provided with a downwardly extending arm I16 which is located to the right of lever I14 (Fig. 15), and the lower end of lever 515 is provided with an adjustable stop I11 for engaging said arm. Arm I16 is yieldingly held in engagement with stop I11 by a spring mechanism I18 and as is apparent in Fig. 15, lever I15 is operated through the medium of'said spring mechanism upon rotation of shaft I13 and lever I14 in a clockwise direction.

Shaft'l13 is supported within suitable bearings in casing I5 and has a lever I30 fixed thereto which is operated by the valve stem 3. shown in Fig, 13 ,valve stem 3 has a threaded pin extension IBI fixed to its upper end which carries-a pair of adjustable stops I82 i83, and lever I carries a link I34 having an eye projection I86 which surrounds said pin extension and is located between said stops.

During final movement of valve stem 3 into valve closing position stop iSZengages link I84 and lever I80 is moved downwardly to effect counterclockwise rotation of shaft I13 and lever I14 and I15 out of the position shown in Fig. 15; The stem I12 of auxiliary valve I10 is thus moved downwardly to open said valve for admission of steam into the main valve bonnet. Upon movement of valve stem 3 upwardly out of valve closing position, stop I32 moves out of engagement with link I84 and auxiliary valve I10 is permitted to return to closed position under the action of its associated biasing means. During final upward movement of valve stem 3 into valve opening position stop I83 engages link we and lever I80 is moved upwardly to elfect clockwise rotation of shaft I13 and lever I'M out of the position shown in Fig. 15; Since the auxil' iary valve I10 is now in closed position lever I15 is held against clockwise rotation'out of the position shown in Fig. 15, and lever I14 is thus moved with respect to arm I16 of lever I15 against the action of spring mechanism I18. As is apparent, spring mechanism I18 then acts to bias lever I15 upwardly to insure tight closure of the auxiliary valve I10.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14 a position limit switch I88 is substituted for the limit switch 95 Fig. 4) said switch being mounted in the'upper compartment ZI' of casing i5 and being operable by shaft I13 As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, switch I88 is provided with a stationary insulating base I39 which is horizontally arranged above the shaft I13 and a movable insulating base I90 which is arranged below said shaft. Insulating base I82 has a pair of bearings IOI fixed to the underside thereof for receiving-shaft I13 and the movable insulating base I00 has a pair of bearings I92 fixed to the upper side thereof which are rotatably mounted upon said shaft. Insulating base I00 is normally held in theposition shown inFig. 16 by a spring mechanism I93. Such mechanism includes a spring I94 for opposing clockwise rotation of insulating base E00 out of normal position and a spring I95 for opposing counterclockwise rotation of said. base out of such position;

Insulating base I00 has a downwardly extend- 1 tically arranged fingers I91 to a downwardly extending lever I98 fixed to the shaft I73. The lower ends of fingers I91 are pivotally mounted upon opposite sides of a projection I99 on the lower end of bracket I96 and the upper ends of said fingers are disposed on opposite sides of lever I 98. Bracket I95 has a pin 2B0 fixed thereto which is located between fingers I91 and said bracket also carries a spring mechanism 21H for biasing said fingers toward each other. As is apparent, the fingers Ia! cooperate with lever I98 and pin 260 to produce a yielding operating connection between shaft 573 and the movable insulating base I96.

Insulating base I90 has a plurality of contacts 202 yieldingly mounted upon the upper face thereof, each of which normally en ages a pair of stationary contacts mounted I the underside of stationary insulating base I89,

The bridging contacts 292 are arranged ingroups a and. b on opposite sides of shaft 5'53 and the bridging contacts of group a are opened by a clockwise rotation of insulating base led out of normal position, while the bridging contacts of group b are opened by counterclockwise ro-- tation of said insulating base out of normal po-- sition.

As hereinbefore set forth, during final movement of valve stem 3 into valve closing position stop I82 engages link I84 to effect counterclockwise rotation of shaft I13. Upon counterclockwise rotation of shaft H3, lever I58 acts through the medium of fingers I9? to rotate insulating base I99 in a corresponding direction out of the position shown in Fig. for disengagement of the bridging contacts 262 of group b from their associated stationary contacts. Also as hereinbefore set forth, during final movement of valve stem 3 into valve opening position stop I83 engages link I84 to efiect clockwise rotation of shai I13. Upon clockwise rotation of shaft I13, lever I98 acts through the medium of finger I5! to rotate insulating base IQE in a corresponding direction out of the position shown in Fig. 16 for disengagement of bridging contacts 292 of group a from their associated stationary contacts.

One of the bridging contacts 2M of group a controls the energizing circuit of switch 0 (Fig. 18) to effect deenergization of said switch upon movement of valve stem 3 into open position.

The other contacts of switch 888 are used to control signal lamp circuits and interlocking circuits in an oil cracking control system, but the func- .tion of these contacts need not be considered since the present invention is not concerned therewith.

As hereinbefore indicated, the aforedescribed drive unit inclusive of the thrust taking means is applicable also to that type of valve operable through the medium of a rotating stem or spindle coacting with a non-rotatable but axially movable nut. Thus it is to be understood that the different type of valve operating medium herein disclosed is referred to in the appended claims primarily for brevity and clarity of said claims which are intended to comprehend the aforementioned and other equivalents of the valve operating medium referred to therein.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a drive for a valve or the like operable through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in axial movement in one direction, in combination, yielding means to take the thrust of said nut in a reverse direction, a drive mechanism for said nut and a supporting structure supporting both said mechanism and said yielding thrust taking means to form a unit which in an assembled state may be mounted on the device to be driven, bringing both said mechanism and said thrust taking means into operative relation to said nut and which may be removed in an assembled state while said nut remains on the device to be driven.

2. In a drive for a valve or the like through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in axial movement in one direction, in combination, yielding means to take the thrust of said nut in a reverse direction, a drive mechanism for said nut and a supporting structure supporting both said mechanism and said yielding thrust taking means to form a unit which in an assembled state may be mounted on the device to be driven, bringing both said mechanism and said thrust taking means into operative relation to said nut and which may be removed in an assembled state while said nut remains on the device to be driven, said thrust taking means being positioned intermediate said drive mechanism and the device to be driven, and said drive mechanism having an operating connection with said nut permitting the latter to move axially while said supporting structure and said drive mechanism remain in a fixed position.

3. In a drive for a valve or the like operable through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in axial movement in one direction, in

combination, yielding means to take the thrust of said nut in a reverse direction, a drive mechanism for said nut and a supporting structure for said mechanism and said yielding thrust taking means to form a unit which in an assembled state may be mounted on the device to be driven, bringing both said mechanism and said thrust taking means into operative relation to said nut and which may be removed in an assembled state while said nut remains on the device to be driven, said supporting structure comprising a housing for said mechanism and said thrust taking means, which housing has means to secure it in a fixed position on the device to be driven, said thrust taking means being positioned intermediate said drive mechanism and the device to be driven and said drive mechanism having an operating connection with said nut permitting the latter to move axially independently of said drive mechanism.

l. In a drive for a valve or the like operable through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in axial movement in one direction, in combination, an annular spring pressed member to surround said stem and to cooperate with said nut to take the thrust of the latter in a reverse direction, a drive mechanism having a part to surround said stern and to aiford a drive connection with said nut extending through the center opening of said annular thrust taking member, said drive connection permitting axial movement of said nut independently of said drive mechanism, and a supporting structure supporting both said drive mechanism and said spring pressed annular thrust taking member to form a unit which in an assembled state may be mounted on the device to be driven, bringing both said drive mechanism and said thrust taking member into operative relation to said nut and which may be removed while said nut remains on said stem.

5. In a drive for a valve or the like operable through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in movement in one direction, in combination, an annular spring pressed member to surround said stem and to cooperate with said nut to take the thrust of the latter in a reverse direction, a drive mechanism having a rotatable part to surround said stem and to alTord a drive connection with said nut extending through the center opening of said annular thrust taking member, said drive connection permitting axial movement of said nut independently of said drive mechanism and a supporting structure supporting both said drive mechanism and said spring pressed annular thrust taking member to form a unit which in an assembled state may be mounted on the device to be driven, bringing both said drive mechanism and said thrust taking member into operative relation to said nut and which may be removed while said nut remains on said stem, said supporting structure comprising a housing having an opening to receive said stem and to expose said thrust taking member for coaction with said nut and said supporting structure having means to secure it in a fixed position on the device to be driven.

6. In a drive for a valve or the like operable through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in axial movement in one direction, in combination, an annular spring pressed member to surround said stem and to cooperate with said nut to take the thrust of the latter in a reverse direction, a drive mechanism having a rotatable part to surround said stem and to afford a drive connection with said nut extending through the center opening of said annular thrust taking member, said drive connection permitting axial movement of said nut independently of said drive mechanism, and a supporting structure supporting both said drive mechanism and said spring pressed annular thrust taking member, said supporting structure having means to secure thesame in a fixed position on the device to be driven and comprising a housing divided into compartments respectively to house said drive mechanism and said spring pressed thrust taking memher, the latter compartment being immediately adjacent the device to be driven and the unit thus provided being in an assembled state removable from the device to be driven while said nut remains on said device.

7. In a drive for a valve or the like operable through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in axial movement in one direction, in combination, an annular yielding thrust taking device to surround said stem and to cooperate with said nut to take the thrust of the latter in a reverse direction, said thrust taking device comprising annular plates and a plurality of interposed helical springs, a drive mechanism having a rotatable part to surround said stem and to afford a drive connection with said nut extending through the center opening in said annular thrust taking device, said drive connection per: mitting ax al movement of said nut independently of said drive mechanism and a supporting structure for supporting both said drive mechanism and said thrust taking device, said supporting structure having means to secure the same in a fixed position on the device to be driven and comprising a housing for both said. drive mechanism and said thrust taking device, said thrust taking device having within said housing readily accessible adjusting means for compression adjustment of its several springs.

8. In a drive for a valve or the like operable through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in axial movement in one direction, in combination, non-rotatable yielding means to take the thrust of said nut in a reverse direction, a drive mechanism for said nut having a drive connection with said nut permitting axial movement of the latter while said drive mechanism remains in fixed position and a limit switch for said drive mechanism operable through the medium of said thrust taking means by said nut when moved axially against said means.

9. In a drive for a valve or the like operable through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in axial movement in one direction, in combination, an annular spring pressed member to surround said stem and to cooperate with said nut to take the thrust of the latter in a reverse direction, said thrust taking member being restrained against rotation, a drive mechanism having a rotatable part to surround said stem and to afford a drive connection with said nut extending through the center opening of said annular thrust taking member and permitting limited axial movement of said nut independently of said drive mechanism, and a limit switch for said drive mechanism operable through the medium of said thrust taking member by said nut upon axial movement of the latter'against said thrust taking member.

10. In a drive for a valve or the like operable through the medium of an axially movable stem and a rotating nut threaded on said stem and limited in axial movement in one direction, in combination, non-rotatable yielding means to take the thrust of said nut in a reverse direction, a drive mechanism for said nut, a supporting structure supporting and housing both said mechanism and said yielding thrust taking means to form a unit which in an assembled state may be mounted on the device to be driven, bringing both said mechanism and said thrust taking means into operative relation to said nut and which may be removed in an assembled state while said nut remains on the device to be driven, and a limit switch for said drive. mechanism also carried and housed by said supporting structure for operation through the medium of said yielding thrust taking means upon axial movement or said nut opposed by said thrust taking means. r V

11. in a unit type operating mechanism for valves having a non-rotating threaded stem, a yoke through which the stem extends and a nut on the stem, in combination, a motor, means atfording driving connections between said motor and the nut and including a hollow rotatable element to surround the stem with clearance therefrom, said hollow rotatable element having means to engage the nut to cause it to rotate therewith while permitting independently thereof a limited movement of the nut with or axially along the stem in a direction away from the yoke, a spring thrust mechanism comprising an annular element separate from but engageable with the nut to oppose the aforementioned limited movement of the nut in a'direction away from the yoke, a limit switch mechanism for said motor comprising means, afiording circuit disconnection of said motor as a function of resistance to axial movement of the stem in a given direction and a casing carrying said motor and attachable to the yoke for fixed positioning thereon, said casing receiving therewithin and supporting said connecting means, said spring thrust mechanism and said limit switch mechanism to afford a self-contained operative unit including all of said parts received therewithin and also said motor.

12. In a unit type operating mechanism for valves having a non-rotating threaded stem, a yoke through which the stem extends and a nut on the stem, in combination, a motor, means affording driving connections between said motor and the nut and including a hollow rotatable element to surround the stem with clearance therefrom, said hollow rotatable element being geared to said motor and having means to engage the nut to cause it to rotate therewith while permitting independently thereof a limited movement of the nut with or axially along the stem in a direction away from the yoke, an annular spring thrust mechanism concentric with said hollow rotatable element and comprising an annular element separate from but engageable with the nut to oppose the aforementioned limited movement of the nut in a direction away from the yoke, a limit switch mechanism for said motor comprising means affording circuit disconnection of said motor as a function of resistance to axial movement of the stem in a given direction and a casing carrying said motor and enclosing and supporting said connecting means, said spring thrust mechanism and. said limit switch mechanism to afford a self-contained unit which includes and holds in assembled relation all of said parts enclosed thereby and also said motor and which functions with said casing secured to the yoke immovably and with said casing as the only tie to the yoke.

13. In a unit type operating mechanism for a valve having a non-rotating threaded stem, a yoke through which the stem extends and a nut on the stem, in combination, a casing to fit upon the yoke and to house a portion of the stem and at least a portion of the nut, a motor carried by said casing, means carried within said casing affording driving connections between said motor and the nut and permitting the nut limited movement with or axially along the stem in a direction away from the yoke, spring thrust means carried by and within said casing in thrust relation to the nut to oppose the aforementioned limited movement of the nut in a direction away from the yoke, limit switch mechanism for said motor carried by and within said casing, and means carried by said casing to afford hand operation of the nut, said casing and all of said parts carried thereby constitutin a self-contained unit which may be mounted in a fixed position on the yoke and which requires attachment to the yoke of only said casing.

14. In a power drive of the spring thrust type for a valve having an axially movable stem, in combination, a spring thrust device, an electric motor, means comprising reduction gearing and forming with said thrust device and said motor a compact driving unit for mounting on the end of the valve with said spring thrust device disposed to take the thrust of the stem of the valve in one direction, and control means for said motor including limit means automatically to effect disconnection of said motor from circuit, the aforestated combination including means rendering progressive the building up of thrust in said device and the operation of said limit means and definitely limiting the building up of thrust in said device incident to operation of said limit means, for reserve capacity of said device thereafter to take stem thrust due to thermal changes.

15. In a power drive of the spring thrust type for a valve having an axially movable stem, in combination, a spring thrust device, an electric motor, means comprising reduction gearing and forming with said thrust device and said motor a driving unit for mountin. on the valve with said spring thrust device disposed between said reduction gearing and the valve and disposed to take the thrust of the stem of the valve in one direction, and control means for said motor including automatic limit means to efiect disconnection of said motor from circuit subsequent to building up a thrust in said device to retain the stem under pressure, said thrust device being adjustable for a given thrust when said limit means operates and under all conditions permitting stem movement due to thermal changes.

HOWARD E, HODGSGN. CLARENCE W. KUHN. WILLIAM C. STEVENS. 

